Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) and forward Anthony Davis (3) Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

LeBron James continues to defy Father Time in the early stages of his 18th NBA season, as the Los Angeles Lakers superstar continues to exert his dominance over the league.

Instead of being left surprised by his teammate’s ongoing outstanding play, Anthony Davis believes James’ continued excellence despite turning 36 last week was predictable and expected.

Following Tuesday’s 94-92 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies — a game in which James played a crucial role in sealing the win in a game in which he put up 26 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists — Davis praised his four-time MVP teammate.

James of course keeps himself in remarkably good shape for a man his age and who has so much mileage on his 36-year-old body due to his teams’ customary deep postseason runs. Much of the hard work needed to do so comes during his off-time, as there is no such thing as an offseason for James.

Still, the 2020-21 NBA season — and the historically short offseason ahead of it — presents a challenge for both James and the Lakers as it relates to keeping him fresh. That said, it would be foolish to doubt James at this point as he attempts to lead the Lakers to back-to-back championships in his 18th season.

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